Arsenal travel across the capital to face West Ham in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to keep up the chase on leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners have eased to big wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting since the international break, and they sit fifth in the table, level on points with Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Arteta has already spoken on his side’s title challenge, maintaining that they need to be near-flawless in order to catch the league leaders.
And that continues today against a Hammers side who have been struggling in the league, with Julen Lopetegui’s side sitting in 14th despite their win over Newcastle last time out.
You can follow all the updates below:
Team news
The most notable omission for West Ham will be seen on the sidelines, with Lopetegui banned from the touchline after picking up his third booking of the season against Newcastle.
In a boost for the Hammers, Edson Alvarez returns from a recent suspension and his available for selection once again. Mohammed Kudus will meanwhile serve the last of his five-match ban.
Arsenal’s defensive injury woes may have been further exacerbated in midweek after Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off against Sporting with five minutes to play, with Arteta citing that the Brazilian was withdrawn after feeling ‘discomfort’.
This comes after Ben White underwent an operation to address a long-standing knee problem over the international break, which will leave him out of action for a number of months. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also unavailable due to a knee injury.
West Ham vs Arsenal LIVE
The Gunners are in high spirits off the back of an emphatic Champions League victory in midweek, dismantling Sporting CP in a 5-1 thrashing at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
After getting back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Mikel Arteta will be eager for his side to keep up their recent return to form against the Hammers, who will similarly go into the contest with renewed confidence.
Julen Lopetegui experienced a much-needed reprieve in the West Ham hot seat after sealing a vital three points away at Newcastle on Monday, defeating the Magpies 2-0 in an impressive victory.
While the win was enough to spare the Spaniard his job for at least another week, the visit of Arsenal poses a much tougher task for Lopetegui, who is in desperate need of a positive result at home.
West Ham vs Arsenal LIVE
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this evening’s Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham.
The Hammers host Mikel Arteta’s side in a difficult clash for Julen Lopetegui’s men, who sit 14th in the league.
Meanwhile, the Gunners travel to the London Stadium looking to keep up the chase with Liverpool, with the league leaders facing Manchester City tomorrow.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up, news and updates here.